READ DEBRA’S BOOKS
Decades of clinical insight, bound & ready for your shelf.
EMDR and Attachment-Focused Trauma Therapy for Adults: Reclaiming Authentic Self and Healthy Attachments
EMDR and Family Therapy: Integrative Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children, 2nd Edition
Attachment Trauma in Kids: Integrative Strategies for Parents, 2nd Edition
Learn More
Learn More
BOOKS THAT CHANGE
How Clinicians Treat Trauma & How Families Heal
Debra Wesselmann's books translate decades of clinical practice and research into essential resources for therapists and the families they serve.
Whether you are a clinician looking to deepen your EMDR skills or a parent trying to understand a child's challenging behaviors, her work offers practical, compassionate guidance.
EMDR and Attachment-Focused Trauma Therapy for Adults: Reclaiming Authentic Self and Healthy Attachments
Author: Debra Wesselmann & Ann Potter
Publisher: Springer Publishing, 2023
Audience: EMDR-trained therapists working with adults
This clinical text provides a comprehensive, protocol-driven approach to treating adults with developmental trauma and attachment wounds using EMDR therapy. The book guides clinicians through a structured sequence for reconstructing the internal personality system, creating new attachment experiences for child parts of self, and preparing clients for safe, effective trauma reprocessing in EMDR Phases 3–8. Integrates polyvagal theory, IFS, and ego state work within the EMDR framework.
EMDR and Family Therapy: Integrative Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children, 2nd Edition
Author: Debra Wesselmann
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, July 2025
Audience: Child and family therapists, EMDR practitioners working with children
This expanded second edition presents the full Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol for Children (IATP-C) — Debra Wesselmann's evidence-informed model for treating complex developmental trauma in children and adolescents within a family therapy context. Updated with current research and new strategies for working with acute dissociation, neurodivergence, adolescents, and prenatal substance exposure. Includes therapeutic stories, therapy scripts, and practical tools for every stage of treatment.
Attachment Trauma in Kids: Integrative Strategies for Parents, 2nd Edition
Author: Debra Wesselmann
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, December 2025
Audience: Foster and adoptive parents, caregivers, parents of children with trauma histories
This accessible, empowering guide helps parents and caregivers understand the roots of challenging behaviors in children affected by early trauma — and respond in ways that build trust, safety, and healing. The second edition includes updated guidance on neurodivergence and prenatal substance exposure. Written with warmth and clinical depth, it bridges the gap between what professionals know and what families need to hear.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
In Their Own Words
-
"Attachment EMDR at its best! This is the book that I would have written. It mixes all the techniques that I use to provide EMDR way better than the original model. A must read for practitioners."
"There is so much useful information in this gem of a book, particularly for resourcing clients who have developmental trauma and attachment wounds... I know this is a book I will keep going back to."
-
"The Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol for Children is innovative, individualized, and comprehensive. I would recommend this book to anyone working with children and families."
— Karen Doyle Buckwalter, LCSW"More than a companion to Wesselmann's previous work, this book provides innovative strategies to deepen and enhance therapeutic approaches, making it an essential read for professionals in the field."
— Krista Reichert, LCSW RPT-S -
"Attachment Trauma in Kids is a must-read book for any foster or adoptive parent struggling to understand and manage their child's behaviors... a game changer!"
— Jennie Dalcour, MA, LPC"Debra Wesselmann provides a wealth of knowledge in a relatable way, offering tools and examples that will challenge and empower you and your relationship with your child."
— Lindsey Ondrak, LIMHP, LPC
KIND WORDS FROM OUR READERS:
Free Clinical Resources
Download Debra's free e-books — practical, research-informed guides for clinicians and families. Select an image to download.
